subject: Oil-free Versus Oil-flooded Air Compressors [print this page] Air compressors are used to power compressed-air based power tools and machinery, to clean out gas tanks and to supply compressed air for many different processes. There are two kinds of air compressors: oil-free and oil-flooded. Both are used for many of the same tools, though there is an amount of specialization inherent in each. To adequately decide which kind of compressor is the ideal choice for ones needs, it is helpful to learn the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Oil-free air compressors do not allow any form of oil to come in contact with the air being compressed. For this reason, oil-free compressors create compressed air that tends to be much more pure than that of compressors that allow oil to come into contact with the air. This makes oil-free compressors useful for jobs that require very clean air, such as the manufacture of electronics. However, this kind of air compressor is also likely to break down more quickly than oil-flooded air compressors, in addition to being more costly.
Oil-flooded air compressors have a significantly smaller price tag, making them a potentially money saving option. Although durability is far greater with oil flooded air compressors than with the oil-free variety, oil-flooded air compressors produce compressed air of a lesser quality than an oil-free air compressor. This makes it an excellent option for applications that do not require absolutely pure air. However, oil-flooded compressors make great choices for a wide range of applications. Even in the event the process requires a high purity of air, clean air treatment can be added to the system. Different levels of clean air treatment can deliver extremely clean "oil-free" air.
Some brands specialize primarily in oil-free or oil-flooded compressors, while some manufacture both types. No matter which type of compressor youre interested in, whatever compressor you pick will be a good investment if you start by choosing a reputable brand, such as Kaeser.
In conclusion, the decision to choose one kind of compressor over the other should be made based on what tasks it is required for. If one is looking for an air compressor for use with power tools, then the oil-flooded variety is a better purchase. If one needs an air compressor to fill up air tanks for use underwater, then it is likely that the oil-free kind would be a more appropriate option. Being well-apprised of the details of ones needs is essential to finding the perfect product.
